Make a Super-Simple Two-Rectangle Tunic

July 31st, 2008 in sewing, patterns & designs

Linda Lee, contributor

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This simply elegant tunic is made from just two pieces of fabric.

Use the edge of the presser foot to stitch an even distance from both sides of the seam and opening.

It is useful to press the seam allowances open over a sleeve board.

This simply elegant tunic is made from just two pieces of fabric.

Photo: Linda Lee

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Garments need not be complicated. This tunic is made using two rectangles, both cut the same size, and cleverly stitched together to make a tunic that has a softly draped neckline. Make it any length, even as a dress, or belt it for fun.

The sample garment is a size medium. The finished garment when flat is 23-1/4 inches wide x 43-1/4 inches long. The measurement from the shoulders to the hem is 31 inches.

To modify the size:
Add or subtract 1/2 inch to the side edges of the front and back pieces per size increment.
Lengthen or shorten as desired.

Suitable fabric:
Light- to medium-weight fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, wool, or knits.

Shopping list for size medium:
1-1/4 yards of 60-inch-wide fabric
or 2-1/2 yards of 45-inch-wide fabric (if cut lengthwise)
or 1-1/2 yards of 45-inch-wide fabric (if cut cross-grain)
Thread
Sewing machine

Preparation for a size medium:
Cut two pieces of fabric 24-1/4 inches x 45 inches.

Construction:
Use 1/2-inch seam allowances.

1. Serge-finish or zigzag the top and side edges of each rectangle.

2. With right sides together, sew the top edges together, leaving a 13-inch center opening. Press the seam open, including the edges of the opening. Topstitch both sides of the seam and opening.

Use the edge of the presser foot to stitch an even distance from both sides of the seam and opening.

3. Lay the two rectangles together with the right sides together. Measure down from the top 25 inches. To sew the side seams, sew from this point to the bottom of each side. Press the seams open and continue pressing the edges under above the seam. Topstitch on both sides of the seam and all the way around the openings above the stitching.

It is useful to press the seam allowances open over a sleeve board.

4. To sew the shoulder “seams,” lay the garment with the wrong sides together flat on a table. At 14 inches down from the top, mark horizontal lines from the side edges toward the center for 5-1/2 inches. Starting at the side edges, sew on the marked lines, down four stitches and back again toward the sides.